Pain during intercourse- only symptom

[JLJ]

Hello!
I am new here and looking for information. I was diagnosed with IC last week however I am not quite convinced that is what I have. My main symptom is that I have pain during intercourse. I also have some frequency urinating but this is something I have experienced my whole life. I am so accustomed to it that I didn't realize it wasn't normal, to urinate as often as I do, until recently.

This began when I had a baby in April 2008 via c-section. Ever since I have experienced pain and discomfort during intercourse. My family doctor told me it was due to a tilted cervix and I would have to learn to live with it. I accepted that answer for a year and a half but finally I became tired of "dealing" with this and the affects this was having on my relationship with my husband. I decided to see an OB doctor (who just happens to specialize in bladder problems). After an initial exam, a urodynamics test, and a potassium sensitivity test he has concluded I have IC.

The doctor is suggesting I treat with the following...
IC Diet
Physical Therapy
Tibial Nerve Stimulation (Urgent PC)


My husband and I (despite the pain) are considering trying for a second child in the next few months so we are not starting Elmiron at this time.

I am struggling with all of this as it seems a little aggressive and I do not seem to have nearly the problems that others on this forum are experiencing. Like I said earlier, I am not even convinced this is what I have.

So basically here are my questions...
Has anyone out there just experienced this one symptom and been diagnosed?
Is it worth receiving a second opinion from a new doctor?
Does anyone have advice as far as pregnancy? I am wondering if we should hold off on trying to become pregnant until this is under control or just wait until after we have another baby to begin treatment?

Sorry for the long post. Thanks for reading and I appreciate any insight you may be able to provide.

[ICNDonna]

If you're not feeling comfortable with what you are being told, a second opinion is always okay --- and it doesn't mean you need to change doctors.

Are you following an IC diet? That can make a huge difference.

Sending welcoming hugs,
Donna

[JLJ]

Hello Donna- Thanks for the welcome.

I was just diagnosed last week so I have not started the diet yet. My plan was to wait until after Christmas and start the diet then. The diet just seems so extreme to me based on my symptoms.

The other issue I am having with regard to the diet is that I am prone to kidney stones and currently follow a diet to help reduce the chances of getting stones. That kidney stone diet I currently follow includes a lot of citrus fruits and citrus juices which to my understanding is a "no-no" on the IC diet.

[Calinda]

Well, I'm not sure what to say only that if you aren't sure, maybe it's a good idea to get a second opinion.

The reason I say that is because you are already on a diet and doing both of them it will be hard as they conflict with one another.

You could though, go on the IC diet for a few weeks temporarily as a trial and just see if your pain goes away.

Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.

[JLJ]

Can anyone help with time frames on the diet and say how they started their diet? What is the best way to go about this and get it started. My doctor referred me to a print out of foods from the internet but did not get into specifics on how many or which foods I should start with. Nor did he discuss how long I should wait before introducing new foods, etc. What have you had luck doing?

[lasnene]

Did the PST 100% confirm you have IC? I thought the only way to 100% diagnose IC is to have a hydrodistention w/ cystoscopy on your bladder under general anesthesia. My uro is telling me he has to do this to 100% know if i have IC. I did the in office cysto and he said he is 90% sure I have it b/c my discomfort became rapidly worse as he was filling my bladder with fluids. I'm confused also I really wish I could know w/o having surgery. Anyone know any good docs in las vegas that can diagnose me w/o surgery?

Symptoms: Frequent urination 12-15 a day and 2-3x at night
constant discomfort or twinge right above my pelvic bone
discomfort/irritation during/after intercourse
discomfort gets much worse when I drink coffee/soda/alcohol

Currently on Urelle 4x a day not helping at all

[JLJ]

I am not familiar with all the terminology for IC so I am not certain of all the tests and meds. My doctor basically diagnosed me after the potassium sensitivity test because I had a strong burning sensation when he administered the fluids. I am in the process of finding a new doctor to get another opinion. I have not started the diet yet but I am thinking I don't want to until another doctor sees me. My thinking is that way I am not in a different state from what my initial doctor saw.

[nottoc4]

The potassium sensitivity test was the test that confirmed I had IC. I had been through ultrasound,IVP,peeing until I couldn't go any more than bieng cathed and there being anywhere from 150 cc's to 250 cc's. still in there.
I was peeing 25 or more times a day and getting UTI's 5 to 6 a year.(cultured) I had been getting treated for OAB for over a year with nothing helping me. I changed doctors and got diagnosed and treated.
The diet was important and keeping a journal of foods I ate,symptoms and meds I took. Many of my meds were causing a reaction in my bladder but it took awhile for the whole picture to come together. I have had very little pain for the past 9 months and the treatment plan my Dr. has me on is working.

[statesboro]

I know I can't say for sure that you do have IC. Of course, I know that some of us did not want to accept that diagnoses as well. I mean, I was diagnosed back in 1997 without a computer to use and hardly able to find any information.(until getting hooked up with ICA) Anyhow, you did mention frequent urination.(and main symptom for many of us) Besides, I am a male that was diagnosed without complaining of any pain. (and none now) Yep! I don't wish IC upon anybody because we don't enjoy having it, or any chronic illness, at all.

[statesboro]

Many of us were diagnosed by having hydrodistentin w/ cystoscopy.(including me) Of course, I have noticed several have been diagnosed by potassium sensitivity test as well. I was diagnosed in 1997 and still urinate more than 12 times times in day. Yep! Oh! I can usually stay asleep once I do get to sleep. Ok, then. I have never been to Las Vegas, but I did notice you still drink coffee, soda, and alcohol.(or so I was figuring) By the way, I have never been a coffee drinker and would not want alcohol if my bladder was still normal. Oh, yeah! It is probably not unusual to be confused while dealing with a chronic illness.(and/ or lost, frustrated, and alone) Ok, then. I better let that be all now.

[daydreamer1976]

My only symptom was painful intercourse for several years, then after I had my daughter the pain got worse and worse and I went to the bathroom ALOT and felt the need to pee even if I just went, thats when i went for the cystoscopy with hydrodistension and that confirmed the IC. So in time you may start to see other symptoms and then at least you will know that IC is the diagnosis, for many people that is half the battle. Good luck.:bonk:

[lonen86]

I had urgency for years (maybe 4) before I was diagnosed. I like you felt like it was normal but one year it got worst and worst I had to see 3 Dr's until I got diagnosed. The first one did a cysto and told me I didn't have IC. I was diagnosed with a cysto and a hydro . I think back and I had IC symptoms for a long time before I was diagnosed. Good luck!:)

[JLJ]

My only symptom was painful intercourse for several years, then after I had my daughter the pain got worse and worse and I went to the bathroom ALOT and felt the need to pee even if I just went, thats when i went for the cystoscopy with hydrodistension and that confirmed the IC. So in time you may start to see other symptoms and then at least you will know that IC is the diagnosis, for many people that is half the battle. Good luck.:bonk:

This is helpful- thank you :)

[krisydot]

See you Gyn and ask about that possibility. I had surgery for it back in the early 70's. Maybe they have other things now besides surgery.

Krisydot